I'm very sorry to read what I have. For so long there was never cancer in my family and then my mother, then my grandpa were taken by it. Now I've got an aunt going through brain cancer. I can't really say I understand what you must be going through. Who can if they have not been told what you have? I'm your age with a child, house payments, and bills, etc. just like you. I'ts just not fair. I smoke so maybe I court disaster. You, you didn't and it's just not right. I wish nothing but the best to you and yours. Fight the good fight brother.

I was reading posts last night and came accross this one. Well needless to say this put a ton of things in perspective for me. Spanky, you and your family will be in my prayers. Keep fighting and don't give up...my grandfather was given 3-6 months to live about 5 years ago. Sadly we lost him the day after Christmas last year but he never gave up hope and didn't do any treatments and it prolonged his live by almost five years.

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My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer when he was just over 60 and given only a few years to live. He is now 82, and has not only survived his origional cancer, but skin and prostate cancer as well. It IS possible to win the fight, so keep fighting, and good luck to you.

I don't know you man, but I DO understand what you're going thru... and I admire your courage.. if you need to talk to someone or just vent or maybe talk about something funny the kid's said or did...you can call me... PM me...i'll give you my number...

Hello, I was actually on here last week just to see what was up. I've actually been feeling good recently, a little stronger and more energy. I've been doing a lot of traveling and hanging out with family and friends. We have a lot of travel plans for the summer. I've also been doing exercise, I bought a new Gary Fisher mountain bike last and I've been doing about 3-4 miles a day. Not much but it keeps the blood moving. All the arrangements have been made and everyone and everything should be well taken care of when the time comes. I got rid of a lot of junk I had lying around and sold off unfinished project cars. My wife will be in charge of everything, but my brother and his wife are going to help her maintain things. I stopped working, they let me out ahead of schedule without any penalty to my benefits. I made some good investments in real estate and in the market as well as decent insurance coverage so the family should be financially secure. We considered selling the house for something a little smaller and more manageable but her family and my family live right in the same area. We are basically in the same neighborhood, so she will stay close by to everyone so they could help out if need be. Its been rough on her, she keeps asking what she will do when I'm gone. I told her that I am okay with her meeting someone when I'm gone. She did not appreciate that. Now she keeps promising me that she never wants anyone else, that once I'm gone she is going to raise the kids on her own and that is that, and I tell her that its fine and that she should move on a best she can. Its hard for me to say that to her, but I know that deep down it will be good for her and the kids to find someone that will respect them and take care of them. But she refuses and she is really a wreck. She is up all night sometimes crying. She is so scared of being without me. I just don't know what to do or say. She pretty independent, she is very smart and knows how to manage things, but after being together most our lives, how the hell can we be without eachother. It tears me up inside too. I would always get up and hold her at night when she cries but she would always cover up and put on the tough guy act in front of me because she doesn't want me to worry about her. Now she doesn't do that so much, and she will cry in my arms. So I think it will be easier the more we talk about it and just let our emotions out in the open.
I've read through all the threads and I appreciate the good words and support. Many have asked for my location offered charity, and my family and I appreciate it but it is not neccesary. What you could do, I've actually been to a few hospitals and I visited a few of the childrens cancer sections. I've lived my life, not as long as I should but still enough to be happy. I have a wife and we are still crazy for eachother like two teenagers even after 16 yrs of being together and brought two kids into the world. I've lived comfortably for the past few years and I've been able to make a little easier for both our families. Many of these children don't have the oppurtunity to experience that and many times it is because of the costs of health care. Also, there is never enough to be spent on research. So, if someone wants to do something, these kids are the ones that deserve the most help. I'll tell you what, I keep hearing people say how strong I am and what not but these kids are really tough. They put me to shame. It's really something to see them go through all that and still they are able to laugh and smile at the end of the day and never lose hope. I know St. Jude is a big charity for kids, I'm not sure of any others. Well the wife is out grocery shopping and the oldest is at school and the youngest is taking a nap. I think I will take this time to hit the PS2....lol. Thanks everyone and you'll see me on here from time to time argueing and debating with you all.

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Spanky-
You don't know me, I've never been to this neighborhood of Stangnet before, I hang out in the "Classics". Tyler PM'd me with this thread and the thought that I might offer some words of comfort as I had been seriously ill with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (cancer) a few years back.
I really don't have much to add to what has been said, except that you and your family are in my prayers............
The fact that I am here is proof that the doctors aren't always right...when I was diagnosed my Lymphoma was at Stage IV, I was in respiratory failure and on a ventilator. They told my family that they should start making funeral arrangements. That was me. I lived. Go figure. I don't know the specifics of your cancer except that you have wide spread metastasis, for this I am truly sorry.
What helped me through my darkest days was my family, my friends and my faith. As someone posted earlier, these things happen for no known reason, and it seems to always happen to the best people (except in my case? ) From what I have read, you have a strong family and friend network to help you, your wife and children. I pray that you enjoy what you can, and what life you have remaining is peaceful and pain free.

Spanky... Words can't even come close to expressing anything in a situation like this. I'm just hoping I can offer you some encouraging words with this.

About two weeks ago my dad had a heart attack. With his life, he was pretty much in your shoes. Healthy, not stressed, not that old, almost the same as you. And out of the blue, he had a heart attack. Some friends and family were at the hospital shortly after and we prayed for him. They did testing on him before they released him from the hospital and he had little to no damage to his heart. I know it may seem unfair to tell you that, but I do it to offer another sense of hope for you. You WILL most definately be in my prayers and I pray that God will somehow take care of you just as he did my father!!!

Best of Luck. Keep in good spirits and enjoy what you have most definately been blessed with.....your wife and kids!

I have an intresting story. My moms cusin had stomach cancer and there was no hope. One day she went to the doctor and the cancer was gone. I know it sounds a bit off the wall but the doctors could not explain what happend. It's like her body just over came it. She said all she did was pray.

So there is hope, you could pull through this and live on like she has. I wish the best for you and your family, good luck.

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Just reading your posts brings tears to my eyes Spanky. Keep putting up the good fight and we will continue praying for you! Good luck with everything and I wish your family the best if it is your time. Stay tough bro!

I'm a Christian, and just to say this, know Jesus before you go. Ask him into your heart and for forgiveness, or you'll regret it when you do die. But I'm wishing you the best of luck, and hope that you can recover.

Spanky, Spanky, Spanky... Keep your chin up. I can't possibly know what you are truly going through right now but If I were as young as you I might re-think the treatment thing. If it buys you more time, thats time a cure may become available. Your young and have young ones to still watch grow up. I will also pray for you and your family to find the strength to do what is right. God Bless

I just found out about 3 weeks ago that my Mother has cancer in her lung, adrenal glands, liver and more than likely has it in her brain and bones. The Dr.s say that without treatment, she would only survive for 2 months. With treatment, she woudl survive for one (miserable) year. She has chosen to fight it naturally with Diet, excercise, and holistic(SP) medicines.

She and my Dad are in San Diego at the Optimum Health Institute for 2 weeks learning how to fight this thing. I sure hope it works or else I just lost 2 more weeks of time with her.

God bless Spanky...don't let go. Remember the mind can be one of the best methods of self healing. Positive thoughts and living each day to it's fullest will reap many benefits. I've known quite a few people who've beat this.They were also given very little time. A good friend of mine had it in grade school...he's still alive and kickin today.We're both now 35. Take care and be well.

We are christian but not very religious, but lately its been helping to keep the faith.

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Spanky,

The first thing I want to say is that I feel horrible for both you, your family, and friends because of all the future uncertainty you all face.

The second thing I want to say is, I admire your strength, even if you only show us your strong side. You are already helping others that may walk in your shoes one day by showing your "strength" and taking care of the important matters (just in case).

The last (but not least) thing I want to say is, please take care of the most important matter that each one of us faces in life. And that is to deal with the penalty of breaking God's laws/commandments (sin)which we all have done.

I know you said that "we are Christian, but not very religious," that's actually a good thing. Being "religious" most often gets in the way of having a real relationship with God. It turns into more of a ritual instead of what it should be, a Father and son/daughter relationship.

If you don't have that kind (Father & son) of relationship with God at this point in your life, there's still time to cultivate one. It is of the utmost importance that you do have that kind of relationship, because Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord,..."And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me..."

Knowing how to enter into Heaven is the most important knowledge there is. The only way to not pay the penalty ourselves, is to accept the payment that God Himself made by sacrificing His innocent Son Jesus on a cross as a one time payment for all of our sins (past, present, and future). You can only receive that payment by sincerely calling out to God with a sorrow for your past sins, while also believing that Jesus died on the cross (and rose from the dead) to pay your personal sin debt. I'm quite sure you've heard this before, but now is the time to respond to it (if you haven't already), even if you live 70 more years.

You and your family need God now more than ever. Make the most out of this tough time by finding the best Friend each of you will ever know in life. He is waiting for each one of you to ask for His friendship, love, peace, guidance, and yes, healing as well. Nothing is beyond His control, and everything that He allows in the lives of His children is for our best, even if we can't understand how/why.

If you don't know how to start your eternal relationship with God, the prayer in my sig will show you the way.

You and yours will be in my prayers. And may God bless, and heal you, Spanky.

Hey all, just checking on some email and I remember you guys. I ended up going to the NYC auto show last month. It was real nice. I really like the 05. It looks goo. I'm doing well, hanging in there best I can. Things have gotten a little more aggressive and I'm taking meds for pain. We have been traveling alot and I got to see a great deal of people. Next week I am going to CA for 10 days and we are going to see some family and have a good time. I'm not going to make it to Europe as I planned. Once back from CA I will stay around home and people are going to come see me. Im sorry I have a hard time remember to type. My wife is much stronger now, and has really been there for me last couple weeks. She has taken teh rest of the summer off so the four of us will be together. I've slowed down a bit but I can still get around pretty well. The meds drain energy, but makes the pain go away. Thanks all for the good thoughts. This will probably be my last post. Its been good talking about Stangs with you all. Bless You all.